Keeping Things Private

Keeping things private is a skill not everyone has. When things go right, people naturally want to share their joy, and when things go wrong, they often make a fuss about it. Most of the time, people just seek acknowledgment, wanting others to notice and validate their experiences. But true strength lies in knowing what to share and what to keep to yourself.

 In 2 Kings 20:12-19 (and Isaiah 39),

"Hezekiah received the envoys and showed them all that was in his storehouses: the silver, the gold, the spices and the fine olive oil, his armory and everything found among his treasures. There was nothing in his palace or in all his kingdom that Hezekiah did not show them."

Then the prophet Isaiah warned him:

2 Kings 20:17 (NIV)

 "The time will surely come when everything in your palace, and all that your predecessors have stored up until this day, will be carried off to Babylon. Nothing will be left, says the Lord."

 

King Hezekiah showed all his treasures and wealth to the Babylonian envoys who visited him. Later, the prophet Isaiah told him that because of this, everything he had shown them would one day be taken to Babylon, along with his descendants.

This story is a powerful reminder that not everything should be disclosed. Sometimes, sharing too much especially with the wrong people can lead to consequences we never expected.

Not everyone receives your success or blessings with a pure heart. Some may genuinely celebrate with you, while others consciously or unconsciously may develop jealousy or negative feelings over time.

Proverbs 4:23 (NIV)

"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."

This reminds us to be mindful of what we share and with whom, as not everyone has good intentions. Even if people don’t mean harm at first, constant exposure to someone else’s success can stir up envy or resentment.

We can’t blame others for the consequences when we fail to set boundaries. It’s up to us to be wise about what we share and with whom. That’s why it’s so important to pray for a discerning spirit so we can have the wisdom to know what to reveal and what to keep private.

Not sharing everything isn’t a sin or a crime. It’s simply wisdom. Having a private life isn’t about being secretive, it's about protecting your peace.Not everyone in your life holds the same level of closeness, and not everyone needs to know everything about you. 

Your decisions,  your goals, and your journey are yours not for everyone to have a say in. Be vigilant about what you share and with whom. Protect your peace, set boundaries,  and seek wisdom in knowing what to keep private.